The Virginia Beach boardwalk is a hub for countless activities, shops, restaurants, amusements, hotels and so much more.
So Much to See and Do on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Virginia Beach has miles of land and sea that are perfect for a number of exciting activities. The heart of Virginia Beach, however, is the famous boardwalk. The Virginia Beach boardwalk is a hub for countless activities, shops, restaurants, amusements, hotels and so much more. This iconic boardwalk has received a number of accolades and awards, including being named to Travel + Leisure’s list of “America’s Best Beach Boardwalks.” Exploring this boardwalk is what makes Virginia Beach an ideal destination for a beach vacation.
About the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk was first built in 1888 out of wooden planks. Over the years, the boardwalk has undergone several reconstructions to become the landmark we know today. Though the look of the boardwalk has changed, it is still a hot spot for families, friends and other visitors to make memories when they come to Virginia Beach.
Click here to read more about the Virginia Beach boardwalk’s history.
Getting Around on the Boardwalk
There are a number of ways to move along all the boardwalk. You can walk, jog, skate or ride a bike. Bring your own or rent one and take a scenic tour of the three-mile boardwalk. Choose from surrey bikes, tandem and family bikes and even in-line skates to rent for a few hours while you navigate the boardwalk. With its flat, paved surface, the boardwalk is the perfect place to bike or skate in Virginia Beach. The boardwalk is 28-feet wide so there’s plenty of room for everyone.
Live Entertainment on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
During the summer months, Neptune Park at 31st Street, as well as stages on 7th Street, 17th Street and 24th Street, live performers, bands and more. The grassy space is also used to show free movies at sunset. Pack a beach blanket or chair and enjoy some of Virginia Beach’s free entertainment right off the boardwalk.
Live! On Atlantic also provides family-friendly entertainment in the summer. Enjoy events, street performers, fireworks and more along the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue.
Click here to read more about entertainment in Virginia Beach.
Fishing near the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
There are plenty of fishing spots to choose from in Virginia Beach but none are more iconic than the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. The pier is open from April through October which is peak season for a number of Virginia Beach’s most popular catches. You can find all your fishing essentials at the bait-and-tackle shop. No fishing license is required to use the Virginia Fishing Pier.
Attractions on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Monuments along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
As you walk the boardwalk, its nearly impossible to miss the massive statue of King Neptune. The 24-foot-tall bronze statue is a centerpiece to the boardwalk. However, you may overlook some of the other magnificent monuments along the boardwalk. Honoring local heroes, military personnel and more, these statues and displays are worth taking some time to observe.
Click here to read more about the monuments on the boardwalk.
JT’s Grommet Island Park
At the south end of the boardwalk is a unique type of playground. JT’s Grommet Island Park is a completely handicap accessible playground for disabled adults and children. Overlooking the beach, this 15,000-square-foot playground features a sensory board, sway boat, raised sand table for building sandcastles, rides and more.
Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
While traveling around Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront, you’ll notice a few quaint seaside cottages. On the boardwalk is the de Witt Cottage which is home to the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. This art museum showcases original paintings and award-winning carvings. There are also two interactive computer exhibits with educational artistic programs.
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
Learn more about Virginia Beach’s coastal history when you visit the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. Situated between the boardwalk and 24th Street, the museum features fun and educational exhibits for the whole family as well as a nautical-themed gift shop. The building that houses the museum itself is even on the National Register of Historic Places.
Atlantic Fun Park
During summer evenings, brightly-colored lights may call you off the boardwalk and on to Atlantic Avenue. The Atlantic Fun Park is a must-visit attraction in Virginia Beach for families. Filled with thrilling rides, kid-friendly rides and go-kart tracks, there’s something for everyone. If rides aren’t your thing, visit The Midway and take part in some traditional carnival games along with some newer games.
Shopping near the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
When visiting a beach town, you can expect to find plenty of souvenir and beach shops. Find all your beach essentials for a day of fun in the sun, surf and sand. Don’t forget to bring buy something special to remember your Virginia Beach vacation. Just off the boardwalk on Atlantic Avenue, you’ll find Sunsations, Bargain Beachwear and more that are perfect for these types of purchases.
Also just off the boardwalk, more traditional modern shopping awaits along 31st Street. The shops at 31 Ocean feature art galleries, boutiques and more. Looking for a chic bathing suit or another piece of beachwear? Head to Meg’s Swimwear, a favorite among both locals and tourists looking for fashionable attire and accessories.
Click here to read more about shopping in Virginia Beach.
Restaurants near the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
The three-mile Virginia Beach boardwalk offers more than just fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re on the boardwalk or nearby Atlantic Avenue, fantastic local restaurants are serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and even late-night bites. From an upscale restaurant serving the finest meat and seafood to a meal on a covered patio with a view of the beach, there’s so much to choose from when dining on the boardwalk.
Both locals and visitors alike love eating right on the boardwalk. Restaurants like Lager Heads, Calypso, Waterman’s Surfside Grille, Catch 31and Chix Seaside Grille serve American classics like chicken wings and hamburgers, as well as freshly-caught seafood and beach cocktails. Whether you dine inside or outside overlooking the boardwalk, you’ll experience the charm of Virginia Beach’s coastal restaurants.
Click here to read more about Virginia Beach’s restaurants.
Hotels near the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
As you can see, there’s so much to do on the Virginia Beach boardwalk. Why not stay at the center of the action? When you visit Virginia Beach, stay at one of the many hotels on or near the boardwalk. These hotels not only provide the convenience of being close to boardwalk but many offer amenities and accommodations to help you relax and unwind when you aren’t hitting the boards.
Click here to read more about Virginia Beach Oceanfront hotels.
Getting to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Directions to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
The best way to get to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk for is via I-264 East toward Virginia Beach. From there, you can get to Atlantic Avenue via Norfolk Avenue, 17th Street, 21st Street or Laskin Road.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk Parking
There are countless parking meters, garages and lots located at the Oceanfront that are walking distance to the boardwalk.
Metered parking can be found all over the Oceanfront. There is a fee of $2 per hour from April 1–October 31. All meters accept credit and debit cards, coins and payment via the Parkmobile app. There is a two-hour time limit on the parking meters.
Municipal parking garages are on Pacific Avenue at 9th Street, 25th Street and 31st Street. There is a fee at these garages that varies for locals and visitors.
Municipal parking lots are located on the cross street of Atlantic Avenue and 2nd Street, 4th Street and the Rudee Loop. There is a fee from April 1–October 31.
